March 11, 2013, Issue 336 CRS Research: Another Look Edison Media Research President Larry Rosin began his 2013 presentation by pointing out that although radio has employed research for nearly 40 years now, “We have concentrated largely on the hard facts of research, and the easily quantifiable.” He went on to explain how this year’s study utilized ethnography, the process of observing people where they live and in natural conditions. Country Aircheck’s seminar coverage extends this week with an in-depth look at Edison’s findings. Larry Rosin The objective was to “understand the emotions underneath our work and the real connections people have to Country music and Country radio.” What followed was not the usual PowerPoint barrage of charts and graphs, but a series of video clips featuring 20 Country What It’s All A ‘Bout: EMI Nashville’s Jimmy Rector (l) and radio P1s who agreed to let cameras roll during their day- RCA’s Keith Gale show off their hand-tooled Lucchese Rumble to-day routine. Presented by Edison’s Mgr./Research Megan On The Row championship belts after winning their respective Lazovick and Lori Hamilton of Prosperity Productions, the boxing bouts at Friday night’s 9th Annual Ringside: A Fight clips vividly demonstrated those bonds. For Kids at The Factory in Franklin, TN benefiting The Charley The Listeners: The audience met Terri, whose home features Foundation. Rector defeated Mercury’s Damon Moberly, while a radio in every room and who said, “They really do need those Gale put away Bigger Picture’s EJ Bernas. Jake Owen, Easton radio personalities on the air, because you feel there’s somebody Corbin, Craig Campbell, Love And Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles, Kelleigh Bannen, Ira Dean and Cowboy Troy were that’s attached to it.” Erica from Aurora, CO said, “The one [radio among those cheering them on. station] I can relate to the most is KYGO. That’s kind of what I grew up listening to ... and that’s the first one I go to.” Jason is a 30-year old who uses his phone to listen while at work and had Q&A: Justin Cole Premiere’s new Dir./Country Programming Justin downloaded an app specifically to listen to his favorite station. Cole (CAT 2/7) understands the lay of the land in Music Hamilton observed that Jason, Erica and Terri didn’t talk much City, thanks to a previous stint as PD of about a ritual of turning on the radio “because Country is always then-Citadel WKDF. Country Aircheck on. This is significant and points to how Country is different than welcomed him back to town with this other kinds of music in a fundamental way.” exclusive interview. Radio was seen as a constant companion that travels with CA: What are your responsibilities the participants – specifically in the car – and demonstrates what in this new position? Hamilton called “a personification of Country ... it’s there for them Justin Cole: Very simply put, I’ll have in all the important moments.” As the videos went on to show, my hands in all aspects of what Premiere these moments were often emotional ones. (continued on page 12) does with our Country brands. I’ll be involved Justin Cole ©2013 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] March 11, 2013 Page 3 in all of it, including the music for Bobby Bones, After Midnite, PAGE THREE PIC Big D & Bubba, and the Crook & Chase countdown. Those are all such huge shows, though; it takes a village. There are so many great people in our company with knowledge of the music, it will really be team decisions when it comes to that. At the press conference for Bobby Bones, we met at least four executives who are involved in the show somehow. Where do you fit into that mix? Well, you’re right, there are a lot of people involved and they’re all important. The way I see it, every [local] PD who runs this show has a dog in this fight, too. I have the advantage to be able to leverage some of the best and brightest in this business to get input on this show. I get to kind of be the nexus of this great input; everything we do at Premiere has that team approach. My priority is making sure all the talent has the tools they need to do the best show they can. How is the feedback so far with Bobby after the first weeks of being national? It’s going great so far. Bobby and his crew are a little bit different, and that’s what makes the show special. They really connect with listeners and it’s because they’re real. The chemistry is amazing and you want to be a part of it. I think In Lou Of: George Strait (l) receives an oversized yet the affiliates are really feeling that. well-deserved welcome to Lafayette, LA, delivered personally by a KXKC listener and then-MCA promo Are Big D & Bubba still in the long-term plan for rep David Haley (r). The year was 1990-something. Got Premiere? a photo you can’t accurately time-stamp? Send it to: Absolutely. With them it’s about growth and looking for [email protected]. great options. They are two of my favorite guys and they have a great show. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of compelling and relevant programs across multiple formats. We plan for Club Shows: Blake & Kenny Coming soon to a club near you ... an Entertainer of the these to co-exist in the Country format; if you look at other Year? Blake Shelton took the big-star-small-room concept to formats there are a ton of other options out there. Florida over the weekend, playing free shows Friday (The Barn in What about this job appeals to you most? Sanford, near Orlando) and Saturday (Dixie Roadhouse in Cape Having been one of the guys who have taken Premiere Coral, near Ft. Myers). The move is a familiar one to Kenny programming on a radio level in the past, it’s amazing to Chesney, whose Keg In The Closet shows pop up from time to be on the other side and see things from this angle. I enjoy time, last week in Key West (Hog’s being able to understand the PDs I’m working with and the Breath Saloon) and Jacksonville opportunity to talk to them. It’s cool to be a part of shaping (Freebird Live). Chesney is the future of some of this stuff. ramping up to the open of his Take Blair Garner, for example. He celebrates the 20th No Shoes Nation Tour Saturday in anniversary of After Midnite this year and I’ve never met Tampa (3/16). Shelton plays the someone who remains so excited about radio. He has so Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo much passion for the business, the show and his brand. And I Friday (3/15) and has a few would say the same about all these people. They’re all unique other dates before opening the personalities and they’re so real. My top priority with any Ten Times Crazier Tour July 19 in show I’ve worked with is to be real. People see though it if Virginia Beach. –Chuck Aly Kenny Chesney you’re not. –RJ Curtis ©2013 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] March 11, 2013 Page 7 Promotions: Brad About You MY TUNES: MUSIC THAT SHAPED MY LIFE “We wanted to capture the allure of March Madness but Blair Garner discusses his most incorporate the country brand and the loyalty of its fans.” That’s influential artists, songs, albums and concerts: Clear Channel’s WCOL/Columbus, OH APD/MD and Woody And 1. Patty Loveless/How Can I Help You the Wake Up Call morning show co-host Dan Zuko, describing the Say Goodbye: The most difficult moment station’s March Bradness. Similar to college basketball junkies of my life was flying home to Amarillo the predicting NCAA tournament results, WCOL listeners are voting morning my father called to tell me my daily from a field of 16 artists in two brackets. “We even went mother (and best friend) died the night so far as having a play-in game to determine our 16th and final before. During that flight, I kept hearing seed,” Zuko says. Florida Georgia Line won by a single vote. Each Patty’s words play in my mind over and over Blair Garner again. I honestly felt it was as if my mom was reaching out during my life’s darkest hour. I thank Patty for that song and all it did for me. Music truly heals. 2. John Anderson/I Wish I Could Have Been There: The first time I heard this was on KZLA/Los Angeles. I was pulling into a parking space, and as I listened to the words of that song, I cried. I promised myself then and there, that if I were fortunate enough to ever become a father, I would always be a “present” father – there for the big things and the small things. My twins are nine now. I hope they’ll understand their dad did his best to live up to that promise. morning at 7:20, the morning crew shares results from the previous 3. The Beatles/Something: One of the most incredible day and announces the next round.